Letter to Ashley (Age 8)

Dear Ashley,

When I look at this photo, I see the joy, the innocence, and the beauty in who you are. At the age of 8, all you wanted was to be a teacher when you grew up and to be liked. Even at your young age, you just wanted to be liked. I wish I could tell you that it came so easy to you. That you just walked through life so easily, but baby girl...you had to struggle a little more than what you would have liked to.

I pray that this letter always reminds you that your life's purpose is to support and help others; not for the likes, but because that is what God created you to do. You will doubt, you will trip up, and silence yourself...but you don't stay quiet at all. You will speak to your fears, you will go through hell, and your heart will break more times than you would like to think you can handle.

To my sweet girl, whose smile lights up rooms, holds hearts, and believes in the magic of life, I hope you know that everything you are is beautiful, purposed, and chosen. I love you.

#AshleySpeak